LAND of Hope and Glory could become the county's official anthem if a councillor's proposal is approved by the council.

Cllr Richard Udall wants the song to be adopted as Worcestershire's official anthem in celebration of the tune's composer, Sir Edward Elgar, who was born in Lower Broadheath, near Worcester.

Cllr Udall, who represents St John's on the city and county councils, hopes the anthem will be played before county council meetings.

The councillor's proposal was welcomed by Worcestershire County Council, which also launched a campaign to establish the song as the county's anthem.

Cllr Udall said: "I believe it would be good for tourism and good for the county.

"Personally I believe it should be our national anthem but at the moment I would happily settle for its adoption as the anthem for the county.

"Sir Edward Elgar is one of the county’s most famous sons, his music is known not just nationally but internationally.

"He may not have written the lyrics to Land of Hope and Glory but the music is well known for being from Worcestershire and we should celebrate that fact."

Cllr Udall said that despite being an internationalist he is proud of his county and country.

"We should fly the flag and sing the songs that mean so much to so many people," he said.

Cllr Udall hopes to hold a vote on adopting the tune as the county's official anthem at a Worcestershire County Council meeting on Thursday, September 14.

Councillor Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said: "I am very pleased to hear that Cllr Udall is backing the World Class Worcestershire campaign to have Land of Hope and Glory adopted as the county song for Worcestershire.

"Our very own Edward Elgar composed the music for the song which is well known around the world. The campaign has been warmly received by the people of Worcestershire.

"If Cllr Udall would like to have the song played before our council meetings he should table a notice of motion at our next meeting asking for that to happen."

Arthur Christopher Benson penned Land of Hope and Glory in 1902 by adding words to Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No.1.